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Whether it’s the thrill of the midway rides or maybe the annual return of spud nuts, the Ex is a summer tradition many Saskatonians take in year after year.

Crews are hammering down finishing touches at Prairieland Park, a process that goes on for months.

“It’s a year-long process. We try and bring some of the old favourites back but we also try and inject some of the new stuff on a yearly basis,” said Carl Schlosser, Prairieland Park events director.

The Ex has been taking place at Prairieland Park since 1886. Organizers expect at least 225,000 people will touch down on the site.

And with crowds of that size organizers say their main priority is that safety comes first.

“We have very good ride professionals who have been with us for many years and I have my 100 per cent confidence in those people who travel with our show and also with our safety team too,” said Scooter Korea, North American Midway vice president.

North American Midway has been providing the Ex with rides for a dozen years.

While crews have been working away all day, finishing touches require them to go through a number of safety procedures and provincial safety inspections.

“Anyone of my family can go on any one of our rides any day of the year and that’s my testament to our safety program,” said Korea.

To up the ante this year, organizers have added extra space for kidsville, new attractions and even some interesting carnival food.

It is one of Saskatoon’s most anticipated events and it starts Tuesday with a parade that Global News will stream online.